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05/12/2011 GMT

Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, failed to be a wonder solution to obesity 20 years ago. But now scientists believe it's critical to how the body works.

When leptin failed to be a wonder solution to obesity, this hormone produced by fat cells, disappeared from the headlines.

Twenty years on scientists now believe leptin is critical to how the body works, regulating appetite, the immune response, inflammation and depression.

Vivienne Parry investigates.

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18 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Dec 2011 03:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 5 Dec 2011 19:32GMT
  • Tue 6 Dec 2011 04:32GMT
  • Tue 6 Dec 2011 12:32GMT
  • Sun 11 Dec 2011 22:32GMT
  • Mon 12 Dec 2011 03:32GMT

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